double to triple

I have a stock 1985 raleigh granprix with shimano 105 components and i was contemplating converting it to a triple chairing set up. What crankset should I use and will my front deraileur and shifter accommodate the extra ring? I'm very mechanical (built a couple motorcycles) but have never attempted to swap out a bicycle crankset. What should I expect to find at disassembly and what tools should I need. Any advice would be great! Thanks.

Why would you even bother.I have climed steep hills and never used the 3rd
Waste of space and extra weight you don't need. 2nd front 6th rear enough most hills.

That's a fairly big project for such an old bike.

To make it look like a factory rig you will need a new crankset, bottom bracket, fromt and rear derailleurs. You may be able to "cheat" on the derailleurs because you'll never use the granny chainring with any but the largest rear cogs so don't need slack take up capability to handle the little/little.

If it was my bike and I wanted an easier hill climb gear, I'd probably just install a mountain bike freewheel and derailleur.

hills in boston? o.k. if you say so. where I live we have some doozies. one, for instance climbs 500' in less than a mile. If I didn't feel I needed one I wouldn't have asked.

sounds like more work than the simple fix I was hoping for. Thanks for the enlightenment. I just rediscovered cycling after a 20 year hiatus in a different, more hilly location. Maybe I'll leave the ol' gal the way she is (mint condition)save my pennies and buy a new one.

How 'bout a mountain bike cassette with bigger cogs?

if I did that, what about the shifter? each shift to a different rear cog (change of gears) 'clicks' at the shifter. Its currently a 6 speed cassette. would i need to change shifters or are 6 speed mtb cassettes available?

I would like to agree with Armenian. My current set-up came with a tripple. I didnt know much about cycling and started riding alot. doing a lot of hilly routes in the sf bay area. With the tripple I developed a high cadence style and very little power. I was getting dropped by my friends on all hills especialy big ones! Now in my third year of cycling I have deamed the small ring off limits! I am able to do the same climbs in my middle ring and I am becoming a stronger cyclist. I now will never buy another bike with a tripple. just my 2 cents...

That's the beauty of this solution. New 14/34 freewheel, new chain and new mountain bike derailleur and you're good-to-go. Your existing shifters will work fine.

new freewheel - $19.95 - http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/freewheels.html#6
new rear deraileur - $30.95 - http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/derai...r.html#shimano
new chain - $18.95 - http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/chains.html

being able to climb that big ass hill? - priceless

I'm wondering why people think that just because they don't use or need a triple that others shouldn't use one.

Also, why they feel it has anything to do with the original question. But thanks for sharing. I, for one, will be sure to ask you for a proper spec. when I buy a new bike.

No one has said that he shouldn't use one. I think people are posting ideas that could save the OP a little money over changing everything out in order to accomidate a triple chainring.

Except this person

__________________
"There is alot of blather here that does not float the hooey barge." boudreaux 11/22/2005

saving time and money on an upgrade that may not be necessary probably falls into the "any advice would be great" catagory. But I really appriciate the lesson in "forum Etiquette" Sorry we took this thread so "off Topic" from the orriginal posters intended direction!!!!

Hey Camillo could you teach a little class on how propperly post on these forums???

Sure buddy!

Instead of saying (I paraphrase) "I don't need a triple, you don't either." You could have said:

Instead of the expense and hassle of such a major conversion on an older bike like that, you might be able to achieve your lower gearing goal by changing your small front chain ring for a smaller one and some larger sprokets on your rear cluster.

But you'd rather tell him that because you guys don't need lower gears, he doesn't so he shouldn't waste his time. You have absolutely no idea of the terrain he rides in, his age, physical condition or purpose for cycling. But you assume to advise him on his need for lower gearing, but not the technical solution to problem.

Glad to help.